Lesser Slave River Community Guide Winter 2017 | Page 5

WINTER 2017
mdlsr.ca
that dictates distances to jobs, to services, to supplies or
to advanced medical care — does not give our citizens
the same opportunities to minimize carbon use that is
afforded our counterparts in urban centres. This reality,
despite a rebate, is inequitable. One direct outcome
of this inequity is that public services, including those
provided to our citizens in seniors’ homes, now cost
the local tax payer more than in 2016. We trust that
the Provincial Government will make the necessary and
equitable amendments to reduce the regressiveness of
carbon tax application against rural Albertans.
Anticipating decreased assessment for property taxes in
2017, Council recently passed its preliminary budget; a
“hold the line” budget. That said, Council is committed to
undertaking projects such as the rehabilitation of roads,
buildings, and utility infrastructure to preserve their life
span. Additionally, we will work to explore opportunities
associated with the Westlock Regional Water Commission
as well as getting the raw water intake to the Town of
Slave Lake as part of the regional water program that
serves our residents in that area. For budget background,
please visit the municipal website at www.mdlsr.ca.
Despite the continued downturn and added pressures
of provincial mandates, we remain committed to building
Lesser Slave River’s character as a desirable destination
for those who live and work here as well as those who
venture here for a visit. In this spirit, I am pleased to
report that Council has designated the Lesser Slave River
as a “Blueway” portion of the TransCanada Trail in time
for Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. Those
with youngsters will be pleased to learn that some of
our playgrounds in Flatbush and Widewater will also be
upgraded in time for Canada’s sesquicentennial.
As always, if you have concerns or suggestions to make
Lesser Slave River a better place, please feel free to
contact me or any of my colleagues on Council. Here’s
to a more prosperous 2017!
Reeve Murray Kerik